Second Chance

Chapter 12

It had been a week since they had returned to Nevermoor. And to tell the truth, it's been a tough week. The investigation into the death of the Prime Minister did not lead to anything. Which Morrigan wasn't the least bit surprised about. She knew that the Stink would not be able to solve this case, no one would be able to (Maud thought through everything to the smallest detail, she would never allow herself to make a mistake), but they did not give up. What Morrigan was still sure of was that they would have to blame someone for the crime anyway. The government and the Wundrous Society could not allow panic among the population of the Free State. No one would like the news that the Prime Minister's murderer is still at large. People would be horrified, and mass unrest would begin. Therefore, Morrigan had no doubt that the first suspicions would fall on the two Wundersmiths, who - what a "coincidence" - were at that time in the Republic with Steed. It was convenient. They were already immediately suspected.

In addition, a lot of rumors began to spread quite quickly over Nevermoor this week. Not a day went by that someone didn't look at Morrigan when she was walking through the streets of the city or walking with friends. She could feel the probing, curious and incredulous eyes on her. Some looked at her with fear, but Morrigan was already used to it. When the news that a new Wundersmith had appeared in Nevermoor became public, many residents tried to see her (they literally tried to break into the hotel to take pictures of her or simply force her to use the Wundrous Arts), announced a hunt for her and set a reward for her. It was unpleasant. No. It was disgusting, infuriating and annoying as hell. But now no one was eager to approach her at the first opportunity, or even to talk to her, and she was in some way even pleased. Although she didn't like the frightened looks directed in her. Morrigan shuddered inwardly, remembering that she had been looked at the same way when she was "cursed". It was an unpleasant experience, which she tried not to remember.

Today Morrigan tried to put annoying thoughts out of her head and relax. After all, Squall didn't give her a day off every day, so she wanted to enjoy her day off to the fullest.

When Morrigan went downstairs, she saw that Jupiter was talking to some people. There were two of them: a man and a woman. The man was tall and broad-shouldered with brown eyes. He was wearing a T-shirt with a blue-and-blue checkered shirt over it. Morrigan noticed that he was dressed simply, without frills, but stylishly. The woman, she assumed, was most likely his wife. She had honey-colored hair and turquoise eyes with a green tint. She was wearing a light summer dress that reached to her knees. It seemed to Morrigan that these people reminded her of someone.

Morrigan decided to approach them. She couldn't hide in the shadows and watch them. It would be indecent. Therefore, she began to approach them slowly.

"Good morning" - Morrigan said when she was near Jupiter.

"Good morning, Mog" - Jupiter smiled and, seeing Morrigan's questioning look, hurried to introduce the couple who had arrived. - "Meet Arthur and Evelyn Brennan. They're from the League of Explorers. We needed to discuss the issue of the ongoing investigation into the death of the Prime Minister".

Brennan! Now Morrigan remembered who they reminded her of. Lucas Brennan. The boy she met after the dragonriding competition.

"Oh, hello!"

Morrigan jumped at the voice that suddenly came from the side of the chair standing near the reception desk. She turned around and saw Lucas, who was sitting relaxed in an armchair and looking at some book. Morrigan hadn't even noticed him until that moment. He put the book down as he fixed his gaze on Morrigan and walked over to her, smiling.

Morrigan felt her cheeks turn red from that smile. She wanted to sink through the ground.

"Um, hi!" - she stammered.